Cross River Assembly seeks prosecution of illegal miners

The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the state government, through its relevant agencies, to stop activities of Fulani migrants engaged in illegal mining in Boki Local Council of the state.

It was alleged that the illegal miners were carrying out their activities in Okwa 1 and 2, as well as Ukwango communities.

The House made the resolution sequel to a Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the encroachment of Fulani to the said communities of Boki Council, sponsored by the member representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Bette Philip Obi.

The Assembly further resolved that security agencies should be deployed to the affected communities to arrest and prosecute the miners, while advocacy groups should be engaged to educate community leaders on the effect of allowing illegal mining in their communities.

Obi, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed that a large influx of unidentified Fulani, estimated to be over 1,000 have entered Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals.

The legislator said: These Fulani have been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area (GRA), thereby robbing Boki Council, as well as the state, of its natural resources and revenue.

The lawmaker also expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents, saying: “The communities are now facing a crisis, as the influx of the Fulani have exceeded the number of indigenes. These communities now live in fear for their life and property,” he stated.

In separate contributions, members lamented that illegal mining has become endemic in the state, describing the situation as “unfortunate.”

The legislators also observed that illegal mining is usually accompanied by criminality, while calling on security agencies to stop the menace as soon as possible.